Technical visit

Having heard the details behind the AutoTram® Extra Grand, conference participants had the opportunity to sample the vehicle at Fraunhofer IVI’s test track in Dresden. Transport to the site was provided by one of DVB’s Citaro Hybrid buses that performed well with a full standing load along the predominantly flat route. The hills start at the Fraunhofer IVI site and the test track is a figure of eight cut into a hillside ledge. This allows the accurate tracking of the AutoTram® Extra Grand to be clearly observed, in both normal and reversed curve scenario. Riding the vehicle provides an experience much like many modern tramway vehicles although the clear view forward is restricted by the cabinet housing the secondary diesel electric power pack. The driver spoke of his experiences taking the vehicle around Dresden, in principle with the guidance system installed it was not much different in aligning to a standard bus although the extra length required additional consideration at junctions and there was a need to view the rear of the vehicle directly rather than through the mirrors on tight curves.

Dresden’s DVB provided a Mercedes-Benz Citaro hybrid to transport conference participants. The livery features flower motifs at the rear which transform into positive and negative polarity signs (+/-) towards the front. The illustration on the rear shows one of the Hess hybrids operated by DVB

Also on the test track, Fraunhofer IVI had a test rig consisting of a VW minibus with two two-axle trailers to demonstrate further development work on systems to control steering tracking. Watching it reverse around a corner then continue backwards in a straight line was quite impressive.

Supporting exhibition

Within the conference centre, around a dozen companies and organisations were represented in the supporting exhibition. Most, like Goeppel, Ziehl-Abegg, ABB and Siemens took the form of a simple display stand with the opportunity to discuss further the products shown during the conference presentations. Konvekta promoted their range of lightweight all electric air conditioning units suitable for electric and hybrid vehicles. On display was an example of their KL 20 E 4.3kW (5.8hp) model for driver’s area climate control. Outside, Ventura’s demonstration unit promoting their electric powered door range was prominently displayed.

An evening event at Dresden’s transport museum provided further networking opportunities and a chance to view the museum’s special exhibition on electric mobility although this was strongly focused on electric cars.

Last word

During the two conference days, several themes became clear. In Germany, at least, the hybrid is only seen as a transitional product on the way to full electric operation: Product development is divergent, diverse charging systems are being developed with no chance of interoperability and even the operating voltages vary significantly: Benefits from hybrid and electric vehicles depend on matching the vehicle to the route and ensuring that drivers are appropriately trained and motivated to maximise the possible savings: Operators, normally owned by local authorities, recognise the need to innovate and are willing to accept the opportunities and risks posed by partially state funded projects.

SAENA plan a further conference in two years time when perhaps there will be an answer to the question many appeared to be asking, ‘when are the major players in the German bus market planning to enter the full electric era? Solaris and Hess are already there alongside a number of smaller players.’ It will certainly be worth the challenge of two days immersed in the German language given the wealth of information presented at this year’s conference.

For those interested in more detail on the subject, most of the presentations from the event are available at www.e-mobil-sachsen.de

By David Cole